Michigan State president thanks women for coming forward with assault stories

The president of Michigan State filmed a video thanking women for coming forward with their stories regarding alleged sexual assaults by a former MSU athletic doctor and members of the football team.

The video with president Lou Anna K. Simon was released Wednesday evening. Former Michigan State gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar has been accused of over 100 incidents of sexual assault and four football players have recently been accused of sexual misconduct.

“The seriousness of the charges requires the most deliberate investigations possible,” Simon said in the video. “So I thank the Spartan community for your patience as we work with authorities to ensure that justice is fully served. But most of all, I once again thank each and every individual who has come forward to share details of personally traumatic events. This is truly a courageous act. I recognize the pain sexual violence causes and truly regret anytime someone in our community experiences it.”

Three players and a staff member were suspended Feb. 9 after the school found out about an alleged sexual assault. None of the unnamed players have yet been charged with a crime regarding the accusations, which was reported to Michigan State police Jan. 17.

Michigan State recently dismissed defensive lineman Auston Robertson after he was charged with third-degree sexual criminal conduct. Robertson was charged with the felony because of an alleged incident on April 9. Robertson, a member of Michigan State’s 2016 recruiting class, had been charged with a misdemeanor for allegedly inappropriately touching a classmate while in high school.

Nassar was hired by Michigan State in 1997 and also worked with USA Gymnastics and traveled to four Olympics as the team doctor. He’s been accused by numerous women of assault while supposed to be treating them and he’s been charged with 25 counts of criminal sexual conduct relating to 10 different women’s claims.